Labour MP Kate Osborne tests positive for coronavirus

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Labour MP Kate Osborne had self-isolated ahead of getting the diagnosis
UK Parliament
Jacob Jarvis16 March 2020
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Labour MP Kate Osborne has been diagnosed with coronavirus, she has announced.

This confirmation of Covid-19 came "following a period of self-isolation and subsequent testing", she said.

"I will continue to self isolate until I have fought off the illness, but in the mean time I would encourage everyone to band together and support the most vulnerable in our communities," she tweeted this morning.

After detailing her own situation, she shared advice to others and urged them to take heed should they experience symptoms.

"The NHS are urging people to stay at home for 7 days if you have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough," Ms Osborne, who has represented Jarrow since 2019, said.

Last week, Health minister Nadine Dorries said she had tested positive for coronavirus, as has her 84-year-old mother.

On Friday, Cabinet minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said she tested negative for the virus but plans to stay at home for seven days as a precaution after coming into contact with Ms Dorries.

A number of other MPs have gone into self-isolation amid the outbreak.

Thus far the Government and MPs have resisted suggestions that Parliament should shut down in order to limit the spread of Covid-19.

However, new restrictions are being imposed on visitor access to the Palace of Westminster.

Overseas travel by MPs and peers is being strongly discouraged to keep Parliament functioning.

Commercial tours are being cancelled, while MPs, peers and other passholders will be discouraged from bringing guests into the estate for social visits.

Mass lobbies by campaign groups will be banned.

Members of the public will still be able to watch debates and attend select committee hearings.

Where necessary MPs, peers, parliamentary staff and other members of the “parliamentary community” will continue to be able to work on the estate.

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